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San Jose, California, plans to pay homeless people to help keep the city clean.
(IStock)
San Jose, California, is tackling the garbage problem by paying 25 homeless residents to collect garbage around the city's "hotspots".
Downtown Streets Team and Goodwill, behind the program, said the idea was to help the participants get back on their feet, the Mercury News reported.
Beginning in November, participants will work four to five hours a day, collecting garbage around San Jose for $ 15 an hour, which is above the city's minimum wage, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Mayor Sam Liccardo announced the program at a press conference held Thursday.
"We are working to transform lives," he said.
The announcement of the program was enthusiastically received by both municipal officials and residents.
"I am very optimistic and hope this will help," said Jonathan Fleming, president of the Senter Monterey Neighborhood Association.
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Christine Gonzalez, who lost her home in the middle of a battle against addiction, said she had completed an application to participate in the program.
"You do not realize how difficult it is to get back on your feet," said Gonzalez. "It will restore confidence and self-esteem."
The city council approved funding for a $ 200,000 grant for waste reduction early in the year. No end date has been established.
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